Photo Identification Systems & Accessories

An ID card printer is a wise investment in the safety and security of your facility, and you want it to always be in peak performance for its next printing job. To keep your ID card printer in top shape year round, follow our seven steps for printer maintenance.

1. Regularly Clean Your ID Card Printer

It's recommended that you clean your ID card printer every 700-1,000 ID cards. Each manufacturer creates an ID card printer cleaning kit for its printers. Because each printer works differently, you must use the specified manufacturer kit. As a helpful reminder, you can clean your printer when you change the printer ribbon. Each cleaning kit includes a cleaning card. It looks like a PVC card, but it is soaked in a cleaning solution. The card is inserted into the ID card printer and cleans all of the rollers.

2. Clean the Printer Roller

To print ID cards, a roller pulls the blank PVC card into the printer. This roller collects the dust and dirt on PVC cards so it doesn't travel into the printer. Because the roller acts like a lint roller that cleans the PVC cards, it needs to be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis. Refer to your printer manual for directions to clean or replace the roller.

3. Clean the Print Heads.

The print heads on your ID card printer also need to be cleaned. Your ID card printer cleaning kit includes the cleaning swabs, they look like large Q-tips or a marker, which you use to clean the printer heads directly. Follow your cleaning kit directions to properly clean this important ID card printer component.

4. Replace Printer Ribbons.

For a high quality ID card, replace your printer ribbons as recommended. Printer ribbons have up to a two year shelf life, so you can stock up when you purchase the ID card printer and always have them on hand. Be sure to use the manufacturer's printer ribbons as off brand printer ribbons may not work properly and could damage your printer.

Todd is an identification expert at IDville with over seven years ID Maker experience. Around IDville, Todd is known for his excessive coffee drinking, beautiful daughters, and impressive ping pong skills.

Each ID card printer is different and uses slightly different printer ribbons and cleaning kits. Using the proper ID card printer supplies is an important part of keeping your printer healthy and active for a long time.

You can find all the ID card printer supplies you need at IDville by using our System Supply Wizard. We have Evolis printer supplies, Datacard printer supplies, Fargo printer supplies, Magicard printer supplies and Zebra printer supplies to outfit many different ID card printers. Using our System Supply Wizard, you select the make and model of your ID card printer, and our website displays all compatible supplies.

This makes it easier for you or anyone in your office to replace printer ribbons, order new PVC cards or select a cleaning kit for your ID card printer.

An ID card printer is an investment for your organization, and you want to maintain your investment. I recommend you clean your printer every 700-1,000 prints using the printer cleaning kit made for your printer model. Cleaning kits vary in cost and most are in the $30-$60 range. It’s well worth the investment! Cleaning your ID card printer will result in better colors, improved printing, and a longer lasting ID card printer.

Refer to your ID card printer manual or use our System Supply Wizard to order the correct supplies for your printer.

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Todd is an identification expert at IDville with over seven years experience. Around IDville, Todd is known for his excessive coffee drinking, beautiful daughters, and impressive ping pong skills.